Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in the north of the country. Every trekker needs a permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which currently costs US$1,500 per person, and the minimum age is 15. The walk to find a gorilla family can take under an hour or most of a morning, and once you reach them you spend one hour in their company.
We are a Rwandan team based in Kigali, and we plan private gorilla treks for our guests throughout the year. This guide covers what we tell every traveller before they trek: how permits work, what the day is like, how fit you need to be and what to pack.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda at a glance
| Where | Volcanoes National Park, Musanze district. Treks start from the park headquarters at Kinigi. |
| Permit | US$1,500 per person (foreign visitors), issued by the RDB. Prices are set by the RDB and may change. |
| Minimum age | 15 |
| Time with the gorillas | One hour |
| Trek length | Under an hour to most of the morning, depending on where the family is feeding |
| Porter | Optional, about US$15–20 plus a tip, paid locally |
| Drive from Kigali | About 2.5 hours to the park headquarters at Kinigi |
| Shortest trip | Three days, two nights, from Kigali |
Where gorilla trekking happens in Rwanda
Rwanda’s mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Massif in the north of the country. The park headquarters are at Kinigi, near the town of Musanze. Trekking begins early each morning with a briefing, where the rangers assign you to a habituated gorilla family. Our Volcanoes National Park guide covers the park itself, and our Rwanda destinations page covers the rest of the country.
How much does a gorilla permit cost, and how do permits work?
A gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors. Every trekker needs one, and they are issued only by the Rwanda Development Board. Permits are limited, with only small groups allowed to visit each gorilla family every day, so they sell out in the busiest months. Prices are set by the RDB and can change, so we always confirm the current rate when we quote.
When you travel with us, we secure your permits through the RDB as soon as you confirm, and we tell you straight away if your dates are tight. Every quotation lists exactly what is included, from permits to park fees.
What a trekking day looks like
- Early start: after breakfast, your guide drives you to the park headquarters at Kinigi for refreshments and a briefing.
- The trek: you walk with a park guide and trackers through farmland, then bamboo and montane forest. Depending on where your family is feeding, the trek can last under an hour or most of the morning.
- Time with the gorillas: once you find the family, you spend one hour observing them, keeping a respectful distance.
- The rest of the day: return to your lodge for lunch and rest, or visit the Iby’Iwacu cultural village, now often called the Gorilla Guardians Village.
How fit do you need to be?
Treks range from gentle to demanding, and the park team tries to match your group with a suitable family. The terrain is steep and often muddy at altitude, so moderate fitness helps. A walking pole and a local porter make a big difference. Porters cost about US$15–20 plus a tip, paid locally, and hiring one supports families who live around the park. The minimum age to trek is 15.
What to pack and wear
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours, to protect against nettles and insects
- A light waterproof jacket and a warm layer for cool mornings
- Gardening-style gloves for gripping vegetation
- A camera without flash, water and snacks
Gorilla etiquette
Your park guide will brief you in detail, but the essentials are simple: keep your voice low, keep a safe distance, never use flash, and do not trek if you are unwell, as gorillas are vulnerable to human illness. Following these rules protects both you and the animals.
How we plan a private gorilla trek
On the trek itself you join a small group assigned by the park rangers. Everything around it is private. Your own vehicle and English-speaking Rwandan driver-guide stay with you from arrival to departure, your days move at your pace, and you have a direct WhatsApp line to our team before and during the trip.
Our package prices are based on mid-range lodges such as Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. If you would prefer a luxury lodge near the park, such as Bisate, Singita Kwitonda or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, we quote it on request, and our 5 Days Meet the Legends luxury gorilla safari is built around One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
More to do around Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey tracking: a lighter trek to find these bright, quick-moving monkeys in the bamboo. Permits cost US$100, and the minimum age is 12. Read our golden monkey tracking guide.
- Dian Fossey tomb hike: a forest walk to the grave of the primatologist and her research camp.
- Gorilla Guardians Village: a cultural visit (formerly Iby’Iwacu) with music, dance and daily life around the park.
Combining gorillas with the rest of Rwanda
Many travellers pair gorilla trekking with chimpanzees in Nyungwe, Big Five game drives in Akagera or a few relaxed days on Lake Kivu. Our 3-day gorilla trekking safari is the simplest way to go, our 5-day gorillas and chimpanzees journey adds a second primate encounter, and our 6-day double gorilla and golden monkey safari gives you two gorilla treks. Not sure when to go or how long to stay? Read our guides to the best time to visit Rwanda and how many days you need in Rwanda, or browse all our Rwanda safari packages.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda: frequently asked questions
How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost?
A gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors, set by the Rwanda Development Board and subject to change. Our private 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari starts from US$2,650 per person, based on 2 people sharing at mid-range lodges, with the permit included.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The minimum age is 15. Golden monkey tracking, which you can do on the same trip, has a minimum age of 12.
How long does a gorilla trek take?
The walk to reach a gorilla family can take under an hour or most of the morning, depending on where the family is feeding. Once you find them, you spend one hour with the gorillas.
When should I book my gorilla permit?
As soon as your dates are fixed. Permits are limited and sell out in the busiest months. We secure them through the RDB as soon as you confirm and tell you straight away if your dates are tight.
Do I need a porter?
A porter is optional but recommended. They carry your bag and help on steep, muddy sections. Porters cost about US$15–20 plus a tip, paid locally, and the income supports families around the park.
Can I see gorillas in Rwanda on a short trip?
Yes. Volcanoes National Park is close enough to Kigali for a three-day, two-night trip, and our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari is designed for exactly that.
Is gorilla trekking private?
The trek itself is in a small group assigned by the park rangers. Our journeys are private around it: your own vehicle and driver-guide for the whole trip, and plans shaped around your dates and pace.
Related guides: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, what a Rwanda safari costs, Rwanda visa requirements, safety and health in Rwanda, Akagera National Park and Lake Kivu.
Written by the Epic Rwanda Safaris team in Kigali and reviewed by Eric Sabi, one of our Rwandan guides. Permit fees checked October 2026; the RDB sets permit prices and they may change.
Ready to meet the gorillas?
We secure your permits and arrange your guide, vehicle and lodges, so you can focus on the experience. Every enquiry is answered within 24 hours, or message us on WhatsApp.